Life was continuing its slow monotony for Clementine with one exception, the female lead was displaying an alarming desire to be around and make conversation with her. It started slowly, with random instances where Adelaide would peer over Clementine's shoulder as she worked, complementing her craft or providing her insights. It perturbed Clementine every time it happened.
Even though Clementine was horrified at her situation she did find the insights provided by the female lead to be invaluable. Clementine wasn't familiar with the needs and progress of this world and as such she didn't know which sphere of industry she should expand to first. Adelaide's comments were invaluable information as she knew better what this world needed to progress.
Dr. Thornevale was incredibly pleased with the change in the two's relationship, often commenting on how wonderful the girl's friendship was. Adelaide smiled brightly, like a flower in full bloom, each time, which flustered Clementine, the female lead was too powerful she could even charm women.
The domestic bliss came to an abrupt end when on a day like any other Clementine received an invitation. The envelope was overly embellished, with incredible gold-bronze gilded writing. Clementine didn't recognize the sender, but Adelaide (who was sitting ever so close to Clementine), and the professor recognized the wax seal on the letter.
"My darling Clementine, it seems your work has been noticed by the Mechanist Guild," Adelaide murmured coly playing with the locks of Clementine's hair.
"What's the Mechanist Guild?" Clementine asked gently swatting away Adelaide's hand.
"They are an incredibly famous guild focused on the betterment of humanity. They hold immense sway over the business sphere and the automaton market. It is a great honor to be invited to the main headquarters, they only allow the most skilled to work for them. It looks like you might have a chance to work for them." Dr. Thornevale responded as he handed Clementine a letter opener.
Clementine opened the envelope to reveal an invitation to the main headquarters down in Veridian Hallow the center of the grand city of Aurelia Prime.
"Mechanist Guild...Mechanist Guild, where have I heard that name...I think...Uggh." Clementine mumbled under her breath.
Clementine had a strange feeling in her gut that she should remember something important about the Mechanist Guild, that there was a hidden darkness behind them that she should avoid. But for the life of her nothing came to mind, she couldn't just turn down the invitation, she was just a commoner, and even though her Apollo automaton brought her fame, if the Mechanist Guild had control over the automaton marker then she couldn't afford to anger them.
"The invitation says that the meeting will happen in two days. I guess I should clear my schedule—" Clementine spoke.
"My darling if you plan to meet the Mechanist Guild then we simply must buy you some new clothes. You must look your best!" Adelaide chirped as she dragged Clementine off her feet and out of the workshop.
Adelaide wasted no time indulging herself in a shopping spree, dragging poor Clementine from boutique to boutique each time buying almost every dress in the shop. Adelaide refused to let Clementine pay for anything, Clementine had tried to be sneaky about it but she was caught each time and forced to return to her dressing room to try on another outfit.
When Adelaide finally sent Clementine back to the dormitory she had gained at least seventy-four new outfits. Clementine sighed as she languidly walked into her placing all the bags and boxes down on the floor.
Clementine was now in six-figure debt to the female lead. She did not want to owe her anything as she never knew when the story would correct itself and make Adelaide come back seeking compensation from Clementine. Clementine flopped on her bed almost immediately falling into a deep sleep.
....
The day of the meeting arrived and after spending some time deciding on one of the many outfits Adelaide had bought her she settled on one.
The dress in question was a vermillion-colored bustle dress similar in fashion to the one Adelaide first wore when Clementine hid from her in the marketplace. Her accessories were also vermillion except for her black silk gloves and her black feather fan. At the moment Clementine almost looked like a lady of high society, which was a perfect way to avoid being discriminated against due to her low class.
While Clementine would've much rather wear pants to the meeting as she was accustomed to wearing in her previous world, the women of this world had never worn pants in their formal outfits. Clementine could only really wear them around her dormitory room and the workshop but wearing them to a meeting as important as this would end in catastrophe. So reluctantly Clementine put away her jeans as she finished putting on her makeup.
Once pleased with her appearance Clementine opened her door only to be greeted by the face of Adelaide. Clementine quickly and forcefully shut the door in Adelaide's face out of shock before opening the door with a small crack. A foot immediately wedged itself in between the crack and before Clementine had processed what was happening Adelaide had forced her way into her home.
"What are you doing here lady Adelaide?" Clementine squawked in surprise.
"Drop the Lady, I came to escort you to the Mechanist Guild. We are sisters fighting for the recognition, so it made sense that I would be there for you in this great moment." Adelaide hummed as she looked around Clementine's dorm room.
"That isn't necessary Lady—"
"Drop the Lady." Adelaide insisted placing a finger on Clementine's lips.
Clementine flushed and silently nodded in acquiescence to Adelaide, her thoughts running wild. Adelaide took this moment to take Clementine's hand and gently guide her towards the expensive carriage waiting by the gates of the girl's dormitory. Adelaide took her seat directly next to Clementine as she was waking up out of her stupor.
Drats I accidently let the female lead's face charm me! Now I can't escape from her!
"My dear Clementine I was wondering, if this Mechanist Guild were to offer you a position would you take it." Adelaide inquired.
"No. If I were to join the Mechanist Guild then all my achievements and work wouldn't be my own but rather the Mechanist Guild's. I would rather languish in failure than live in riches by losing my identity."
"I admired your strength and confidence," Adelaide replied smiling at Clementine.